JERUSALEM (Feb. 1)
Ultra-Orthodox groups renewed their demonstrations against autopsies at a rally here last night attended by more than 4,000 persons. At the same time, posters appeared in Jerusalem streets accusing doctors of selling human limbs for profit. The Orthodox protests had been suspended during the Six-Day War.
The Orthodox groups are demanding revision of the present law which permits physicians to order autopsies without prior consent of the deceased or his family in cases where there are over whelming medical or scientific reasons for autopsy or the suspicion of foul play. The law requires that three physicians concur in the need for autopsy. The Orthodox contend that autopsies should not be permitted under any circumstances without written consent from the patient prior to death or from his family after death.
The Israel Physicians Association has asked the Prime Minister to take steps to protect the medical profession and the reputations of doctors from “a smear campaign by certain fanatic elements.”